Wearable and adjustable holder for pompons

ABSTRACT

The pompon holder comprises an adjustable elongated strap of material ( 11 ) and a clasp portion ( 12 ) to be worn by a human being when connected at fastening mechanisms ( 14 ) and ( 15 ). Traditional pompon users attach pompon(s) to hook portion ( 16 ). The pompon holder allows user to freely move about, eat, and socialize without an annoying obstruction of space caused by pompons or mental worrisome of whereabouts of pompon. The pompon holder allows the user to display the pompon while avoiding possible alteration and contamination of pompon.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of PPA Ser. Nr. 60/479,879 filed 2004 Jun. 20 by the present inventors.

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH

[0002] Not Applicable

SEQUENCE LISTING OR PROGRAM

[0003] Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0004] 1. Field of Invention

[0005] This invention relates to pompon holders, specifically to such pompon holders that are wearable and adjustable on the human body and are used to hold pompons.

[0006] 2. Discussion of Prior Art

[0007] A pompon, also known as pompom, is a ball of fluffy material such as feathers, strips of colored paper or colored plastic or colored vinyl that is waved by cheerleaders and sports fans to enhance an applause or a dance.

[0008] When pompons are not in use, the pompon user either store the pompons in a bag-like container or toss the pompons on the ground until next use. If pompons are stored on the ground, the pompons are not protected thus exposing the pompons to dirt, debris, and contaminated fluids. Storing pompons in bag-like containers also prevents circulation thus altering desired shape and texture of pompons.

[0009] The prior art includes a finger-held pompon attached to one or more of the fingers by a compressible or deformable plastic sheath whereby the strips of material are combined at one common end as shown in Offen, U.S. Pat. No. 4,369,215. The disadvantage of such an attachment means is that this invention can only be worn on the finger or held by hand and thus would create an obstruction of space that would be needed to move about, eat, make use of lavatories, or socialize when not performing maneuvers or stunts with pompons. Herkimer, U.S. Pat. No. 3,560,313 discloses strips of material combined at one common end, but in this case the bound end comprises a handle which requires the pompon to be held by a clenched hand. Again, the disadvantage is that the cheerleader is precluded from certain activities when pompons are not in use and a spectator will have to place the pompon in his or her lap or under the seat to write in a scorecard or to eat. Barry, U.S. Pat. No. 2,810,977 discloses a pompon at the end of a stick that again must be actively held by the cheerleader or spectator thereby restricting certain activities. Bowers, U.S. Pat. No. 1,395,033 discloses a pompon used as an ornamental device. The pompon is comprised of strips of material bound together near their center, and a rigid clip is used to force the strips in a hemispheric shape. The invention is often much smaller than a traditional pompon and is generally attached to an article of clothing, such as a boot or ski cap, for decorative purposes. Holguin, U.S. Pat. No. 6,340,507 discloses a pompon secured to a person by means of an elastic band that must be snug and fit on the user's finger. Again, the disadvantage is that the cheerleader or dancer must actively hold the pompon in his or her hand when not performing thus restricting certain activities such as eating, socializing, making use of lavatories, and freely moving about. When pompon is secured to another limb of the body, the user risks the chance of skin irritation and increases the chances of exposure of pompons to debris and food.

[0010] The present invention overcomes the disadvantage of the prior art since a cheerleader, dancer, or spectator does not actively hold the pompon when not in use. This allows the cheerleader, dancer, or spectator to utilize and exhibit the pompon during normal activities without interference. The invention discloses a pompon holder that is worn on the upper body similar to that of a backpack. Thus a cheerleader or dancer can actively move about and perform normal activities while still displaying the pompon and preventing exposure to debris. The spectator can clap or eat while still displaying the pompon. The pompon holder can be attached to other parts of a person's body as well.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION—OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES

[0011] When pompons are not in use, the pompon user either store the pompons in a bag-like container or toss the pompons on the ground until next use. If pompons are stored on the ground, the pompons are not protected thus exposing the pompons to dirt, debris, and contaminated fluids. Storing pompons in bag-like containers also prevents circulation thus altering desired shape and texture of pompons.

[0012] Our invention allows the user to wear the pompon holder with secured pompon in place as shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 2, and FIG. 3. Our invention keeps the pompons free from contact with the ground. Our invention permits pompons to be easily accessible and available for use. Use of our invention allows for easy storage of pompon is preventive against misplacement, loss or theft since whereabouts of pompon are on his or her person. Unlike pompon bags, pompon holders maintain the desired fluff, shape, and texture of pompon since the pompon holder exposes pompon to an air-circulating environment thus preventing exhaustion of material of pompon and promoting pompon movement in free space. The pompon holder allows user to safely take breaks from activity while in possession of pompons. When a pompon user secures pompon to pompon holder and wears pompon holder, the user is free to move about, eat, make use of lavatories, or socialize without an annoying obstruction of space or mental worrisome of whereabouts of pompon.

SUMMARY

[0013] In accordance with the present invention a pompon holder comprises an elongated strap of material connected to a series of fastening mechanisms, clasps, hooks, and loops.

DRAWING—FIGURES

[0014]FIG. 1 is an elevated side view of pompon holder in position on a human body.

[0015]FIG. 2 is an elevated front view of pompon holder in position on a human body.

[0016]FIG. 3 is an elevated rear view of pompon holder in position on a human body.

[0017]FIG. 4 is an elevated front view of pompon holder disconnected at male and female fastening mechanism portion.

[0018]FIG. 5 is an elevated rear view of pompon holder disconnected at male and female fastening mechanism portion.

DRAWINGS—Reference Numerals

[0019]11 elongated strap portion

[0020]12 clasp portion

[0021]13 loop portion

[0022]14 female fastening mechanism

[0023]15 male fastening mechanism

[0024]16 hook portion

DETAILED DESCRIPTION—FIGS. 4 AND 5

[0025] The present invention is illustrated in FIG. 4 (front view) and FIG. 5 (rear view). Elongated strap portion 11 is a strip of material or fabric having a front face and a back face. Clasp portion 12 is a plastic or metal clasp that slides along elongated strap portion 11 and retains the free end of elongated strap portion 11 when clasp portion 12 is closed. Loop portion 13 is a plastic, metal, or fabric circular form of material encircling said elongated strap portion 11. Female fastening mechanism 14 connects to male fastening mechanism 15 to create a complete connection. An end of elongated strap portion 11 is affixed to either female fastening mechanism 14 or male fastening mechanism 15. Another end of elongated strap portion 11 is affixed to clasp portion 12. Loop portion 13 is mobile while encircling any part of elongated strap portion 11. Hook portion 16 is affixed to either loop portion 13 or elongated strap portion 11. Hook portion 16 is affixed to an object preferably pompons.

[0026] Operation—FIGS. 1, 2, 3

[0027] The manner of adjusting the pompon holder for size is as follows. One should hold the female fastening mechanism 14 in one hand and the clasp portion 12 in the other hand. To lengthen, one should slide the clasp portion along the strap 11 away from the female fastening mechanism. To shorten, one should slide the clasp portion along the strap towards the female fastening mechanism. One should adjust to desired length by pulling both ends of the pompon holder to rid of any slack.

[0028] The manner of using the pompon holder is as follows. One should hold a male fastening mechanism 15 in one hand and a female fastening mechanism in the other hand while elongating the strap to ensure no slacking or twisting of strap. One should then lift hands over head while fastening mechanisms still in hand and lay strap on back of neck and allow fastening mechanisms to lay on chest. One should then grab fastening mechanisms with each hand, pull under shoulders and connect fastening mechanisms on user's back. Pompons are then attached to pompon holder by connecting pompons to hook 16. Connection can be via any hook and loop method.

[0029] To remove the pompon holder, one should press button found in between male and female fastening mechanisms.

[0030] As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 3, the pompon holder sits on the upper body. The pompon holder can be rotated along the body to any desired position. Hook portions can slide to any desired position. Pompons can be attached to any desired hook portion.

[0031] Advantages

[0032] From the description above, a number of advantages of our pompon holder become evident:

[0033] a) Pompons are free from contact with the ground.

[0034] b) Pompons become easily accessible and available for use.

[0035] c) Pompon holder allows for easy storage of pompon and is preventive against misplacement, loss, or theft thus saving money.

[0036] d) Unlike pompon bags, pompon holders maintain the desired fluff, shape, and texture of pompon.

[0037] e) Pompon holder exposes pompon to an air-circulating environment thus preventing exhaustion of material of pompon and promoting pompon movement in free space.

[0038] f) Pompon holder allows user to move about, eat, make use of lavatories, and socialize without an annoying obstruction of space or mental worrisome of whereabouts of pompon.

[0039] g) Pompon holder allows user to attach personal items such as keys, coin purse, and lipstick holder.

[0040] Conclusion, Ramifications, and Scope

[0041] Thus the reader will see that the pompon holder provides a highly reliable, lightweight, yet economical device that can be used by persons of almost any age. Furthermore, the pompon holder has the additional advantages in that

[0042] It permits flexibility in style of the user

[0043] It permits user to display important accessories

[0044] It permits user to attach any desired item

[0045] It permits security of pompons or any attached item when disconnecting fastening mechanisms

[0046] It permits security of pompons or any attached item when pompon holder is not worn on the body.

[0047] While our above description contains many specificities, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention, but rather as an exemplification of one preferred embodiment thereof. Many other variations are possible. For example,

[0048] Any portion or mechanism can be of any color or any combination of colors

[0049] The elongated strap portion 11 can have a different shape or dimension

[0050] The elongated strap portion 11 can have a different texture

[0051] The elongated strap portion 11 can be elastic

[0052] The elongated strap portion 11 can be a form of plastic or rubber

[0053] The elongated strap portion 11 can be a sleeve

[0054] The elongated strap portion 11 front face and back face can be same or different material

[0055] Clasp portion 12 can be replaced with other means of adjustable mechanisms such as adjustable loops or rings or the like

[0056] Loop portion 13 can have a different shape or dimension

[0057] Loop portion 13 can be omitted

[0058] the male and female fastening mechanisms 14 and 15 can be omitted

[0059] the male and female fastening mechanisms 14 and 15 can be replaced with other fastening mechanisms such as VELCRO, snaps, buttons, zippers or the like

[0060] hook portion 16 can be attached to an object via other connecting means such as a knot, band, cord, VELCRO, snaps, buttons or the like

[0061] hook portion 16 can swivel or remain stagnant

[0062] hook portion 16 can have a different shape or dimension

[0063] the pompon holder system can be worn on or around other parts of the human body to include but not limited to waist, neck, arms, shoulders, hips, chest

[0064] the pompon holder system can be configured differently by the user

[0065] the pompon holder system can include any attachments of the like such as a coin purse, or a lipstick holder

[0066] Accordingly, the scope of the invention should be determined not by the embodiment(s) illustrated, but by the appended claims and their legal equivalents. 

We claim:
 1. An article of material for holding objects on a human body, comprising: (a) a strap of material of sufficient length to accommodate use by a human being for wearing (b) a plurality of fastening mechanisms to connect loose ends of said strap (c) a means for increasing or decreasing length of said strap (d) a plurality of hooking or looping mechanisms to hold object(s) on said strap whereby a human can freely perform normal activities and preserve the condition and security of attached objects 